It seems ironic that the longest running – and arguably most successful TV show of all time – the Simpsons – might cave to pressure from ONE leftist loser’s complaints and remove a character (Apu) because one person found their portrayal offensive. Keep in mind the show is centered on an alcoholic father who chokes his son, while the character complained about is a hard-working family man who immigrated legally and is portrayed in depth as a multi-faceted but overall very good person. Other characters on the show include Italians like Luigi (the pizza shop owner) or Fat Tony (the mobster)
But you don’t hear complaints about them. The main Hispanic character is the very limited stereotype portrayed in “Bumblebee Man.”
The show makes a ridiculous Scottish stereotype of “Groundskeeper Willie” and the very Christian Ned Flanders. But for several months, the only “controversy” has centered on the Indian character Apu. As told in this New York Post article back in May:
In a recent interview with USA Today, “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening addressed the criticism around character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon for the first time, and seemingly questioned the outrage.
When asked about his thoughts on critics claiming Apu represented a racist stereotype, Groening said, “I’m proud of what we do on the show. And I think it’s a time in our culture where people love to pretend they’re offended.”
He also spoke about a “Simpsons” episode that aired on April 8 in which Lisa, during a scene, faces the camera and says, “Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. What can you do?” She then looks over at a framed picture of Apu, which has the line, “Don’t have a cow!” written on it.
Marge responds by saying, “Some things will be dealt with at a later date,” to which Lisa says, “If at all.” Rather than elaborating on what that meant, Groening said, “We’ll let the show speak for itself.”
Comedian Hari Kondabolu was one of the first to publicly address issues with the show’s character with his documentary “The Problem With Apu,” which debuted in November. Apu, voiced by Hank Azaria, is an Indian-American Kwik-E-Mart owner in Springfield.”
More recent articles in the last ten days suggest that The Simpsons’ producers might remove the Apu character from the show completely (and suddenly) as if he never existed, to avoid the controversial publicity. It seems ironic that a fictitious ethnic minority character will lose his job because of his race (and the squeaky wheel complaints of one liberal loser who had to ruin it for everyone else.)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTzgGr9lYAY&w=865&h=487]
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